4 Reasons every man should get Prehab prior to prostate surgery or treatment
Did you know that 1 out of 7 men in the Unites States are diagnosed with prostate cancer over their lifetime? There are many treatment options for prostate cancer including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Many of these treatments can leave men with bowel, bladder and, sexual dysfunction that greatly affect their quality of life. Research has shown that 1%-90% of men will struggle with urinary urgency, frequency and/or post void dribbling. Basic functional activities such as moving from sit to stand, coughing, sneezing or jumping may result in leaking urine.
Another common issue for men after prostate surgery is erectile dysfunction, about 60% of men will struggle with this after treatment.
In order to optimize your post treatments results and facilitate the quickest return to urinary and sexual function; Don’t wait to start therapy until your surgery is over, initiate pelvic floor physical therapy prior to your procedure!
BE PROACTIVE!
4 Reasons every man should see a pelvic floor therapist for prostate Prehab BEFORE surgery or treatment:
1. Know your own anatomy, knowledge is power! Learning your anatomy and muscle functions of the pelvic floor region will empower you to understand which individual muscles may need to be strengthened after treatment.
2. To determine if you can isolate your pelvic floor muscles.
A pelvic floor specialist will assess your strength, tone, and ability to relax the pelvic floor muscles. Starting pelvic floor exercises prior to surgery can address any preexisting issues of weakness or tone. It will also bring blood flow to this area. These muscles have to work harder after surgery so strengthening muscles that may be weak already will improve urinary and sexual outcomes.
3. To make sure that your pelvic floor muscles are coordinating well with the rest of your core. Your core is comprised of the pelvic floor muscles, the diaphragm, deep transverse abdominal muscle, and the multifidus.
This core system must work together to create a balanced system of pressure. An unbalanced system can lead to urinary urgency, frequency, or leaking. It can also cause bowel dysfunction such as fecal/gas incontinence or constipation, straining or incomplete emptying.
Resolving issues of incontinence, weak abdominals, poor posture or breathing patterns prior to surgery can significantly improve bladder and bowel function after surgery.
4. To receive an individualized pelvic floor-training program based on your strength and endurance of these muscles that you could initiate as soon as your catheter is removed after surgery.
Be Proactive; don’t wait until after your surgery.
Begin your journey of healing now!